HAZLET – A Monmouth County corrections officer has been charged with taking his 14-year-old son to a park to fight another teenager and coaching him during the confrontation, authorities said Thursday.
Anthony R. Sanchez, 44, a 19-year veteran of the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, faces charges of child endangerment, employing a juvenile to commit a crime and aggravated assault, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Investigators allege Sanchez brought his son to the park in July intending for him to fight the other teen, then gave him instructions during the altercation. Neither teenager suffered serious injuries.
Sanchez was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 23, and later released under conditions that bar him from contacting the other teen, having unsupervised contact with anyone under 18, possessing weapons, visiting public parks or coaching youth activities. He must also report monthly.
Assistant Prosecutor Kristen Anastos is handling the case. Information about Sanchez’s attorney was not immediately available. The charges are allegations; Sanchez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
